This week the spotlight is on intellectual property developments in the UAE where the Trademarks Department in the Economy Ministry has issued an administrative decision regarding trademark application procedures.

The Decision stipulates that as applications are now filed online, it will no longer be possible to request an amendment for an application after it has been submitted, except for corrections to the agent-on-record details, provided a proper power of attorney has been filed. In case an application contains the wrong information with respect to international classification number, list of goods and services, missing documents, or any other aspect, the examination section will issue an office action against these applications, and applicants (or their representatives) cannot amend applications before examination.